Hugh Bonneville urges TV bosses to reduce Downton Abbey piracy

The actor fears the period drama is ruined for many international fans as plot lines become common knowledge after the initial screening of the show, but before the series is shown abroad.

He also fears the gap between the British and international broadcasts leads to piracy and illegal downloads as fans rush to see new episodes of the show which have yet to be screened in their country - and he wants TV bosses to fix the problem.

Bonneville tells The People newspaper, "The idea of fans all over the world trying not to ­reveal storylines is ­becoming increasingly impossible. With people downloading - legally or illegally - it'd make sense to give everyone a shorter release window. It would reduce piracy instantly and let fans abroad view in high definition on TV rather than on a laptop."